Sancti Spíritus Province

Sancti Spíritus is the most central province of Cuba. It includes a large number of attractions, including two colonial cities: Trinidad and Sancti Spíritus, the provincial capital.

Not far is the Presa Zaza (Zaza Dam), Cuba’s largest manmade lake. The freshwater lake is popular among fishermen and the areas around it are now pristine wetlands and home to many birds.

Nature lovers and hikers visiting Sancti Spíritus province will also enjoy exploring one of the most important mountainous systems in the island, the Sierra del Escambray. But there are also beautiful beaches such as Playa Ancón and Playa La Boca which are at about 12 km south of Trinidad, on the Caribbean Sea.

Sancti Spíritus*

You can enjoy the spirit of a quiet colonial city at Sancti Spíritus, located on the riverbanks of the Yayabo River. It was founded by the Spaniard Diego Velazquez in 1514 as one of the first villages in Cuba. Sancti Spíritus is a city of narrow, winding streets, lending itself to meandering strolls where you’ll see colonial buildings such as the Parroquial Mayor, one of several examples of the Spanish Baroque style here. The Yayabo Bridge, with its medieval roman appearance, was built in 1825 and is the only remaining colonial-era stone bridge in Cuba. It is the city’s symbol and pride – so much so, it’s stitched onto the uniforms of Sancti Spíritus’ baseball team. The authentic colonial ambience of the city is certainly worth a visit.

Trinidad

Also founded in 1514 by the Spaniard Diego Velazquez, Trinidad is 335 km from Havana. Trinidad owes its existence to the sugar industry that flourished in the nearby Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills) from the late 18th century to the late 19th century. UNESCO declared this city a World Heritage Site in 1988.

Trinidad has remained untouched by elapsing time, and its historical centre is spectacular and unique. You can admire magnificent palaces, cobblestone streets, artistic balconies, admirably worked grills, and multi-coloured facades. The main square is a Baroque relic of the XVI Century.

Trinidad’s nightlife has many places to dance and hear traditional music. One popular place is La Canchánchara, housed in a mansion dating from 1723. It’s named after a regional drink made from lemon juice, honey and rum, served in glazed ceramic pots.

Just wandering the narrow cobblestone streets and absorbing the colonial atmosphere is a memorable travel experience.

Nearby the city is the famous the Valley of the Sugar Mills (Valle de los Ingenios) where very prosperous sugar cane mills were settled during the Spanish domination. UNESCO also declared the valley a World Heritage Site in 1988. Stopover at the Manaca-Iznaga tower from 1750, named after one of the richest people of that time. The tower 44m high was built next to his hacienda to control the slaves. Today, after climbing it reveals a breathtaking panorama view.

In the nearness of Trinidad City, you can also visit Ancón Beach, La Boca Beach and Casilda Town.

Playa La Boca

The typical houses of this region have verandas with comfortable chairs, hammocks, gardens with palm trees, fruit trees, patios, and most of all, a sight of the sea in front of your eyes. The town is just 5 km from Trinidad City.

The special location of La Boca offers charming and tranquil surroundings allowing you to combine the real Cuban flavor with the tourist possibilities and attractions of Trinidad. You can find magnificent areas for snorkeling and scuba diving near La Boca. This beach offers an enchanting beauty and a pleasant quietness near the lukewarm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Casilda

Casilda is a small fishing town, located in the NW shore of Ana María’ s Gulf. It is the loading port of Trinidad City, 5 km inland. The town most important attraction is the interaction with their people, and at the same time the possibility to enjoy Trinidad main attractions. Casilda is an important Caribbean cruise port.

Topes de Collantes

In the Sierra del Escambray mountain range is Topes de Collantes a traveler’s delight, close to the colonial Trinidad City as well as to the Cienfuegos City.

Its outstanding natural beauty and healthy climate is especially inviting for hiking tours and those wanting to get off-the-beaten track.

One of the defining characteristics of Topes de Collantes is the quantity and quality of its waterfalls, some plunging over 60 meters into deep blue pools. The most spectacular include Salto Vega Grande, Salto Caburní and the multiple cascades of El Nicho. Find Hacienda Codina in the area, a ranch with several attractions including medicinal mud baths, medicinal and ornamental plant gardens, with a collection of more than 40 local orchid species, and a cave, where a secret passage ends in a natural viewpoint.

Cuba is plenty of places which are worth seeing

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